Connecting to Collections Care

Hello!

I work at a contemporary art museum and two artworks that involve food are being considered for an upcoming exhibition. Does anyone have any recommendations/contacts for really convincing fake food creators? The options I'm seeing online are not very realistic, and since the artists intended to use real food (and I'm kind of going against the original intent of the work by suggesting props) I'm almost wondering if anyone has treated real food with something to deter pests.

One of the works involves a refrigerator full of organic and inorganic materials, including a swordfish, and they decaying organic material is apart of the artwork. Some ethical concerns have been raised about the swordfish, and I'm looking into options to recreate the partially decayed swordfish. The other work involves placing various food on floating wood boxes, and it has a track record of pest infestations while on view. This work would be easier to replace the food throughout the exhibition since decay is not an element, but it might become cost prohibitive to do so.

Any leads are greatly appreciated!

Hello!

I work at a contemporary art museum and two artworks that involve food are being considered for an upcoming exhibition. Does anyone have any recommendations/contacts for really convincing fake food creators? The options I'm seeing online are not very realistic, and since the artists intended to use real food (and I'm kind of going against the original intent of the work by suggesting props) I'm almost wondering if anyone has treated real food with something to deter pests.

One of the works involves a refrigerator full of organic and inorganic materials, including a swordfish, and they decaying organic material is apart of the artwork. Some ethical concerns have been raised about the swordfish, and I'm looking into options to recreate the partially decayed swordfish. The other work involves placing various food on floating wood boxes, and it has a track record of pest infestations while on view. This work would be easier to replace the food throughout the exhibition since decay is not an element, but it might become cost prohibitive to do so.

Any leads are greatly appreciated!